ELIAS MIZZI - A TRIBUTE OF APPRECIATION

by Joseph Glanville

Acouple of months back, our Club lost one of its most loyal members – Elias Mizzi, a founder member of the club. Elias served for many, many years on the Committee of our Supporters’ Club. Without any doubt, he definitely proved to be one of the pillars in the history of our local organisation, also serving for a couple of years as Chairman. Between the seventies up to the nineties, Elias was the point of reference within our organisation.

I met Elias in the early sixties through our Club and I am proud to say our friendship throughout these past years has been a symbol of comradeship, a treasure which today is so hard to find. An ordinary man who dedicated his life to the benefit of our club members. A gentleman who would walk a million miles to do you a favour. His work knew no limit and he definitely proved an exemplary figure to all Committee members. I remember well the enormous amount of work he did when we took over our second club premises in Valletta back in the early eighties. At that time, our club funds were limited, but he made it a point to do all the redecoration of the then new premises during his spare time for free. He was happy with a few pints of beer as a ‘thank you’ from our Committee.

It is worth mentioning also that Elias was the mastermind in bringing various trophies to Malta. In fact, leaving the Rotterdam Stadium in persistent rain following United’s triumph in the Cup Winners’ Cup, he came up with the idea of bringing the trophy to Malta. My reply was: “You must be out of your mind.” He insisted on his proposal and the trophy did make it to Malta. As far as I know, it was the first time a trophy left the British Isles. Through his initiative, a long list of trophies visited Malta in the following years.

I would never finish my long list of initiatives and work this great friend of mine made for our Supporters’ Club – all for the benefit of past, present and future members of this organisation. His honesty, integrity, respect and loyal support were a shining example of his character.

Me and many others are very honoured to say that Elias was one of our best friends – a friendship which cemented itself – all through our support f o r M a n ch e s t e r United.

His legacy with our club is bound to continue through his son, Robert, who today forms part of our Committee. If Robert manages to dedicate at least half the time and effort his father rendered our Club, I am sure his father would be so proud of him.

I join our President, Committee, all club members and friends in conveying our condolences to Elias’ wife Rita, and his children, Robert (named for Bobby Charlton), Doreen and Brian (named for Brian Greenhoff).

You will always be close to us.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Joe Glanville